Russian 'Imperial Legion,' Linked To Terrorist-Designated Russian Imperial Movement, Trains For Trench Warfare, Prepares For Protracted War

Trench warfare has returned to Russia and Ukraine. In October 2023, the "Partizan" training center of the Imperial Legion announced that it was launching a new training course: "Tactics [in the] Trenches."[1] The Imperial Legion is the military wing of the Russian Imperial Movement, which the U.S. State Department has designated as a Global Terrorist entity. Some experts note that the protracted struggle is occurring against a background of diminishing arms supplies, such as heavy vehicles and armored personnel carriers; difficult logistical conditions on the battlefield, as well as troubles experienced by the military industries of both Russia and Ukraine. However, the use of drones for reconnaissance and combat vehicles have changed he conduct of trench warfare, demanding a new skillset from the combatants.

The screenshot of the post[2] on the "Vezhlivie Ludi Z SVO" channel shows a Russian soldier taking a Ukrainian prisoner after trench combat. The caption reads: " In the vicinity of Maryinka, our lads continue to annihilate the Khokhls [racial slur for the Ukrainians]. Meter by meter, trench by trench, the boys continue to destroy the Nazi scum."

The Partizan Center, founded in 2012, calls itself "a team of patriots working to improve the country's defense capability."[3] The center provides training in various military skills and professions to both civilians and military personnel of the Russian Armed Forces (RAF); to servicemen of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, including special forces, the National Guard (Rosgvardia, that now includes many ex-Wagner mercenaries); to the Federal Security Service, as well as to representatives of law enforcement agencies, intelligence organizations, other government security agencies, and members of various private military companies (PMCs).

The teachers at the center, according to the group, have combat experience. Judging by videos the center has released, instructors are members of the Imperial Legion (for instance, the head of the detachment is Denis Gareev, a member of the Imperial Legion who is designated as a global terrorist by the U.S. State Department). According to the Partizan Center, more than 10,000 cadets have undergone training there. The group possesses facilities in St. Petersburg and Klin, and uses "special training grounds" as well, one of which seems to be the Russian University of Special Forces, in the city of Gudermes in the Chechen Republic.

The screenshot of the Partizan Center VK group shows instructors and cadets undergoing military training.[4]

On December 13, the Partizan Telegram channel posted[5] a report on a course in trench warfare tactics. The post claims that the program was developed based on the experience of the Wagner PMC, and fine-tuned by "A" units (i.e., special operations forces) of a training center in the town of Gudermes. The post asserts that the active use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, or drones), and radio communications in assaults has revolutionized assault tactics and the defense of positions in trenches. According to the post, during the course trainees learn how to storm enemy positions and were taught to operate firearms, throw grenades, and cooperate with UAV operator teams in both daytime and nighttime conditions.

The screenshot depicts the training facility of the Partizan Center for trench warfare in the vicinity of the city of Klin, in Moscow Oblast.

It also seems that the trench warfare courses are being held regularly. The upcoming class will be held January 13-14 (the previous one was held in December 2023). This might be evidence of a need for professionally trained specialists and expectations of protracted hostilities, not only for combatants, but also for government agents who also require appropriate training.

A screenshot[6] on the "Partizan" Telegram channel shows the prominent RIM member and head of the Imperial Legion, Denis Valiullovich Gariyev (who is on the U.S.’s Specially Designated Global Terrorist list) showing a firearm to trainees at the Partizan training grounds during an exercise called "Parovoz." The goal of the exercise is to fine-tune holding an automatic rifle properly.